The year 1897 heralded some fresh changes to Concordia's campus. In January, electric light wires were strung up in Concordia's buildings and approximately 70 lights were installed in hallways, offices, and classrooms. However, students continued to use their own kerosene lamps in their private dwellings. It was also announced that two bathrooms with "modern conveniences" were available to students for 25 cents per term. 1897 also saw an upsurge of bicycle usage. Police officers were given bicycles to pursue lawbreakers at a higher speed and three bicycling clubs developed at Concordia--one for males, one for females, and one co-ed group. The male group named themselves the "Sycamore Cycle Club." They even had matching plaid suit uniforms complete with knee breeches and hats. The ladies' club did not have a title or matching uniforms, but their donning of bloomers caused quite a stir in the area. The co-ed group was led by faculty members and they regularly took an hour ride in the morning before breakfast. One J. E. Johnson purchased a tandem bicycle for $125 and the Moorhead Daily News reported "our young men never like to go out without their best girl, and as the tandem will be much cheaper than a buggy it is expected that this new mode of conveyance will be in great demand." Cobbers today still enjoy a good bike ride and can check out a COBBike through the library!